As I reflect upon my vacation this year, I center on the glitter of the glue of my family. The stuff that makes them glow through difficult circumstances, yet, not fall apart. It is the Strength in their sails,
the Laughter through the tears, and the Light
in the darkness. The waves may beat on the boat called Life, but their faith in God is the anchor that
keeps them from drifting afar.
Through my lens, I observed how one remains playful and young at heart, can laugh at themselves silly, and enjoy the simple things in life.
Through my lens, I saw how one so small can love so big; remain warm and engaging, loveable without reservations.
Through my lens, I noticed that when the going gets tough, the tough get going! They refuse to sit down, roll over or give up on life. They know tomorrow is on the horizon, another day for new beginnings.
Through my lens, I observed that age is just a number; it doesn’t mean that one ceases to exist, to learn, or to do.
Through my lens, I got to witness such amazing selfless love. The sacrifices and serving of others: putting themselves last, while thinking of others first.
I heard the cry of their heartbeat. Thump. Thump. Compassion. Thump. Thump. Forgiveness. Thump. Thump. Passion. Thump. Thump. Sincerity. Thump. Thump. Tenacity. Thump. Thump. Love. Thump. Thump. Puerto Rican heritage.
What did I learn in my ten days of vacation? If I can be just one example of what it means to love and to be loved, I’ll overcome what life may throw at me. I’ll face each trial with the certainty that God is still God of the ages and He continues to work on our behalf. No matter what.
Plans don’t always work the way we think. Situations may take a different turn than what we planned. We aren’t always prepared for the what-ifs. We aren’t perfect. But we are family. And the greatest gift of all is family.
© M.A. Pérez 2014, All Rights Reserved
Reflections From the Heart 
I was unfortunate not to have family, however I always had God who walked with me daily and helped me be the person I am today.. The blessing God gave me was to be married into a big beautiful family who all love and respect each other,they are always there for each other in good and bad times,the holidays, family dinners, birthday parties and the just because times always brings much happiness, laughter and love ,as I sit and observe their faces I say a silent prayer thanking God for giving me the family I never had and for giving me my 3 sons the most amazing blessing. I’m so happy I was blessed to be welcomed in this beautiful family that I call my own..
Gorgeous Mary, I agree family and love is everything in this world, what a beautiful inspiring post.
What you say reveals who you are…what you do shows your love…and I have to admit I saw a special love that you demonstrated that went beyond love, if I may say: I saw God’s love through you, which encourages me to be a better person. I thank you for that. I am proud to be your Brother, love you so much and missing you dearly.
This is a loving commentary of familial love.
Thank you, Sandra. So many thoughts were stirring in my head – I didn’t know if I could do any of it justice 🙂